OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Identification of Particular Machines Rover Rapid Fitted With Gold Briggs Engine

This mower came out of a neighbors garden shed, cleaned up the points and fitted a new spark plug and air filter. It started up and ran well, not a puff of smoke, once hot I changed the oil. I am wondering about the gold painted engine and what year it might be? Any help appreciated:-)

That one would be 1970's or early 1980's I'd say - pre 1982 for sure, as that's when Briggs went to the Magnetron ignition.

The Model/Type/Code numbers will be on the cowl above the spark plug, on this one.

Thanks Gadge, its more the gold painted engine I was looking to learn more about. If the paint colour designated a heavy duty engine etc. I will see if I can read the numbers tomorrow, a bit of surface rust back there.

I am sure that I have seen a brochure which featured the gold engine.

G'day Gadge and Paul,

I can't say I understand the gold engine on this Rapid.
Every other rapid I have seen has a 9 series with Easy-Spin rewind.
No Rover I have recorded has had the gold colour.
No Rapid I have recorded had vert. pull start.

However, the Model 11109 does indicate a 9 Series 148cc 3.5 hp.
The Rapids I have seen have been 11107 - with the 9 Series 148cc 3hp.

So, from my perspective, it could be original.
The problem is the engine colour.

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Jack